[dimz]

Alright, I'm definitely going to go against the flow and pick Dean Ashton here. I think he's the least likely of the 6 to put up a fit when not starting too often. Face it, there's nothing currently wrong with United's attack line. We may want to tweak a few things, but scoring the most goals in your league proves that there isn't much going wrong up front. I know Ronaldo contributed a lot to those, but that's why i call it 'attacking line'.

Ashton would undoubtedly be the cheapest as well, and I don't think we should go splashing upwards of 15 mil on a striker that will most likely be on the bench more often than not.

Ashton (barring any injury troubles) has just the characteristics we need to add to the team. Currently we don't have a striker that's good in the air or one that can hold up the ball. He fits both categories and though he may not be fast, we'd be playing him in games where we don't want/need a speedy forward. Ruud was sold (if we beleive it for purely footballing reasons) becuase he was a starter that could'nt play the United way anymore: fast, quick counterattacking style. Ashton would'nt be a starter, hence would be a good fit if we wanted to change the tempo of the game.

If he can be had for under 10 mil then i'd take Ashton. There must be a reason SAF wanted him before he went to Crewe.

[Silas "Subpoena" Awaketh]

Originally Posted by dimz

There must be a reason SAF wanted him before he went to Crewe.

That was before he broke both his knees, both his ankles, broke all 10 of his metatarsal, had an eye problem and played 4 games in 7 years dimz.

Originally Posted by dimz

Ashton (barring any injury troubles)

I'd rather have Saha, and trust me, Saha has more chances of staying fit than Ashton! He's just a big broken fish in a small pond.

I'd super-rather throw in a bag of chips and have Kevin Doyle or Kitson now that Reading are going down.

[dimz]

Originally Posted by Silas "Subpoena" Awaketh

That was before he broke both his knees, both his ankles, broke all 10 of his metatarsal, had an eye problem and played 4 games in 7 years dimz.


I'd rather have Saha, and trust me, Saha has more chances of staying fit than Ashton! He's just a big broken fish in a small pond.

I'd super-rather throw in a bag of chips and have Kevin Doyle or Kitson now that Reading are going down.

Hmm, since u mention that....Kevin Doyle for 6 mil? Thanks.

I still out of the options, Ashton is the best idea. Santa Cruz second.

[Silas "Subpoena" Awaketh]

6M? No. 2M and Possebon and Macheda on loan to Reading? Yes. Worst case scenario though.

I like it how we're simply forgetting Manucho.

[dimz]

Originally Posted by Silas "Subpoena" Awaketh

6M? No. 2M and Possebon and Macheda on loan to Reading? Yes. Worst case scenario though.

I like it how we're simply forgetting Manucho.

Oh i never forgot Manucho at all. I'm the one who doesn't think we need to sign another striker. It's just that Funky posted a list of 6 and i chose between them.

I like that loan for Doyle idea though.....even if it were a 1 year loan we got him for....to basically evaluate him.

[Silas "Subpoena" Awaketh]

No, I meant, Doyle/Kitson to us for 2-3M, with Macheda and Possebon going to Reading on loan.

United don't take players on loan, policy, Tevez being an exceptionn for reasons we all know.

[Dirtycheat]

Originally Posted by Silas "Subpoena" Awaketh

No, I meant, Doyle/Kitson to us for 2-3M, with Macheda and Possebon going to Reading on loan.

United don't take players on loan, policy, Tevez being an exceptionn for reasons we all know.

we took PIG on loan but we bought him during it anyway and there was never any doubt of that.

I think laarson was on loan too.

Personally i wouldnt be suprised if man united bought a big player like Klaas or benzema aswell as a relatively unkown stiker from under the radar.

[funkdoctorspock]

Couple of things before I get into the topic...

i. Credit to Silas for pointing out Huntelaar years ago. Yes, years ago. He's definitely been his biggest fan and biggest supporter in wanting him to come to United.

ii. The thread was started because it definitely is an area which needs to be strengthen. Sir Alex has pointed this out more than once.

iii. Has Manucho's permit been sorted? Has he shown any real progress during his loan stint to instantly command the 3rd striker spot?

Now onto the choices and those mentioned.

I'll immediately rule out Ashton and Berbatov.

Ashton because he simply can't keep fit. He definitely isn't better than Saha and if United are looking to improve the squad, why bring him in?

Berbatov is self explanatory. As the founder of "The Keep Berbatov Away From Untied" Campaign, his behaviour over the course of hte season is reason enough for the campaign to be started in the first place. United have done an excellent job of having a group of players that support the cause of winning trophies. Not only do they do that, they support each other. Bervatov simply hasn't done that with Tottenham. He is a me first player. And to me, this simply outweighs the game he brings to the table. He can piss off to a team in Europe and sulk there.

Santa Cruz is out for me, because he is injury prone. He had a fabulous season, but keep in mind he left Bayern Munich to get starts. How much starts would he get with United to be happy? Furthermore, he isn't better than Saha.

Fabiano, I've only seen play once and really don't think its fair to give an opinion. Hopefully someone on here who follows him can weight in.

Doyle and Kitson? [I'm going to pretend I missed that discussion...]

To me, I'm hoping Benzema or Huntelaar come and here's why:

1. Age - They are at an age where Sir Alex can balance starts with the striking group. It also keeps United's philosophy of mixing veterans with talented younth in line and most importantly, it allows them to properly get there feet wet in EPL competition.

Obvioiusly Benezema and Huntelaar are experienced players. But playing in Holland and France are completely different to playing in England.

2. Game compatibility - Benezema links up play well, is fluid off the ball in finding space and he has the ability to interchange positions. From up front to wide. Very important in United's game nowadays.

Klaas, although a stationary striker up front, is very deadly in finding seams and openings off the ball. He is a clinical finisher. The goals don't lie and he has scored a bunch of them. Can head the ball exceptionally well. My only knock with him from the matches I've seen him play is he doesn't involve himself enough in play. He just waits till the end to score.

United need a striker who:

a. can score at a high rate. On par or higher than Rooney or Tevez
b. can latch on to crosses with the head.
c. can interchange roles with Ronaldo, Nani/Giggs, Rooney/Tevez
d. is able to effectively link up play and keep with up with the uptempo attack.

Benzema is capable of this now and I think that Huntelaar could be taught how. Either choice would work for me.

NOTE: At one point my hatred for Huntelaar was massive. I swore up and down I saw Ruud van Nistelrooy. Attitude included. My stance has soften, my loathing for Ruud has evaporated and seeing this season unfold and wondering whether Huntelaar could make a different. I firmly believe so now.

[RobsonLegend]

"Other"

I'd like to see Manucho (permit issues uhhh......permitting) get his fair shot. He's the main reason I actually made an effort to keep up with the ACN this time around, and for someone coming out of a team hardly regarded as a traditional power, he surely impressed and his stock rose in my eyes. Powerful, good in the air, strong on the ground, and has a definite finisher's eye, too.

One thing about bringing in some big name is that someone's going to have to give way, and I'd hate for that to have to happen. I'd almost rather we look high and low for some young diamond in the rough, get him on the cheap, and then groom him in a sub's role to bring him along. To be honest, I don't know who would fit that bill currently. Agbonlahor, maybe? He's got a knack for playing on the wing, too, and anybody playing up top for us currently almost has to have that flexibility.

[dimz]

Originally Posted by RobsonLegend

"Other"

I'd like to see Manucho (permit issues uhhh......permitting) get his fair shot. He's the main reason I actually made an effort to keep up with the ACN this time around, and for someone coming out of a team hardly regarded as a traditional power, he surely impressed and his stock rose in my eyes. Powerful, good in the air, strong on the ground, and has a definite finisher's eye, too.

One thing about bringing in some big name is that someone's going to have to give way, and I'd hate for that to have to happen. I'd almost rather we look high and low for some young diamond in the rough, get him on the cheap, and then groom him in a sub's role to bring him along. To be honest, I don't know who would fit that bill currently. Agbonlahor, maybe? He's got a knack for playing on the wing, too, and anybody playing up top for us currently almost has to have that flexibility.

Well that's what i was trying to say....